Injury from an accident—car crash, slip & fall, or other type of cases—are difficult enough. But when a pregnancy is factored in, everything is different.
A pregnant woman who has an accident faces risks not only to herself, but also to her child. This is particularly true in the later stages of pregnancy, when the baby is bigger and the mother’s center of gravity changes. With the additional weight, she may be more apt to lose her balance, especially if there is a hazard or unsafe condition that causes her to fall.
Traumas cause problems for 1 in 12 pregnancies, and is a leading (non-obstetric) cause of death for pregnant women.
Pregnancy And Car Accidents
A car crash brings additional risks to both the mother and baby. Even in a low-impact accident, it’s best to see a doctor right away. Many won’t cause any harm, but without a doctor’s assessment, it’s difficult to know, and better to find out immediately.
Car crashes are one of the most common ways pregnant women sustain injuries that also affect the baby. The jolts and force of a car crash are severe enough that they can cause injuries that include:
- Miscarriage (up to 20 weeks) and stillbirth (after 20 weeks)
- Internal bleeding and/or hemorrhaging
- Birth defects
- Preterm labor and premature birth (prior to week 37 of pregnancy)
- Making a normal pregnancy high-risk
- Placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterus after an impact, causing bleeding, depriving the baby of nutrients essential for growth. Untreated, it can harm both mother and baby.
- Head and neck injuries
The stress of a car crash can also cause long-term emotional strain, leading to complications, including miscarriage and stillbirth.
As with any car crash, you should see a doctor immediately to find out if you or your baby has suffered any injury, and receive treatment.
Falls During Pregnancy
Even if you don’t drive during pregnancy, falls are always a possibility.
During the first trimester, the uterus is protected by the mother’s pelvic bones due to its low position in the pelvic area. At this point, a fall is unlikely to cause injury to the baby (although the mother can be injured, depending on the severity of the fall.)
However, after the first trimester, the uterus expands as the baby grows, and the mother’s fall risk increases. Her center of gravity shifts to the front, making it more difficult to keep balanced. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you should always see your doctor after a fall, especially during the second and third trimester.
Slip and fall accidents are part of the area of law called “premises liability.” Places like grocery stores, retail outlets, and other public areas where people frequent are particularly prone to fall hazards. Like any accident, property owners and managers have a duty of care to keep their facilities safe for visitors.
Should you suffer a fall, you should of course see a doctor. But it’s also important to take notes and pictures if possible at the scene of the accident. After you’ve been assessed by a physician, you should also contact a personal injury attorney.
Pregnancy And Personal Injury
A pregnancy has a lot of concerns from the moment it’s confirmed. When a woman experiences a personal injury during pregnancy, it means additional stress that can directly impact both her health and the health of the baby.
After an accident, she will have to be watched more closely by her doctor. Accidents can cause additional complications to the mother, including serious mental anguish. This could also be part of a personal injury case.
Personal Injury Case During Pregnancy? Call Chad Love Today
Chad Love has been helping people in Charleston, WV after accidents for more than 20 years. His extensive trial experience means he will bring his experience to your case from the start all the way to settlement, and if necessary, into the courtroom.
Call The Love Law Firm today at (304) 344-5683 and schedule your free consultation. We’ll discuss your case with you, explain your options and what to expect. Our contingency fee arrangements means that you won’t owe a fee if we don’t win your case.
